Packer Stories

05/10/2012

Jackson Farming Co., Autryville, N.C., expands for the upcoming season.

05/10/2012

The mild winter brought on an early start to the Carolina fruit deal, but supplies should last nearly the full season.

05/07/2012

Watermelon and onion grower-shipper Crescent Fruit & Vegetable LLC has launched a consumer website.

05/04/2012

Buyers could see Georgia’s blueberry, peach and watermelon deals starting earlier than normal this year.

04/27/2012

Melon production is heading west, from Yuma, Ariz., in May to California.

Market Scope - Watermelon — F.o.b.s as of May 14

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES, ARIZ. — Crossings (367-489-615, seedless 349-466-588, seeded 18-23-27) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices lower. Red-flesh seedless-type per-pound 24-inch bins approximately 35, 45 and 60 counts 14-16 cents, 75-80s mostly 10-12 cents. Cartons red-flesh seedless miniature 8-9s mostly $10-11, 11s mostly $7.95-8. Quality and condition variable. Some present shipments from prior bookings and previous commitments at lower prices.

FLORIDA — Shipments (534-837-849, red-flesh seedless 447-669-694; red-flesh seeded 87-168-155) — Movement expected to increase. Shortage of availability of trucks. Trading red-flesh seedless 60 count fairly active, others moderate. Prices red-flesh seedless 60 higher, 45s lower, others generally unchanged. 24-inch bins per cwt. red-flesh seeded 35s $13-14; red-flesh seedless-type 36s mostly $16-17, 45s mostly $16-17, 60s mostly $18-20. Quality generally good.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS — Shipments (18-48-164, seedless 12-40-141, seeded 6-8-23) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading moderate. Prices lower. Red-flesh seedless-type per-pound 24-inch bins approximately 35, 45 and 60 counts mostly 19-20 cents; cartons 4-6s mostly 21-22 cents. Red-flesh seeded-type per-pound 24-inch bins approximately 28 and 35 counts mostly 15 cents. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (204-116-96) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading moderate. Prices lower. Red-flesh seedless-type per-pound 24-inch bins approximately 35, 45 and 60 counts mostly 19-20 cents. Quality variable.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS, CALIF., AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Shipments (CA 0-0-48, seedless 0-0-39, seeded 0-0-9; AZ 4-7-16; seedless 4-7-16, seeded 0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase seasonally in California and western Arizona. Trading fairly active at lower prices. Prices lower. Red-flesh seedless-type per-pound 24-inch bins approximately 35 and 45 counts mostly 20 cents, approximately 60 count 18-20 cents. Quality generally good. Shippers in central Arizona expected to begin the week of May 21.